I want to change the fuel filter but my online search has confused me. Some say the only filter is in the gas tank and others say there is an external filter on the rear drivers side rail??? Also, when I searched for a part/fuel filter there are too many and most don’t seem to be the correct part. Any info or assistance would be appreciated.

By the way, I would check the side rail myself but my son just drove the Jeep to Louisiana. He stopped on the way in some small town with one gas station and it had trouble starting after he filled it up. Once started he got on the road and it started making a lot of noise and even with the pedal to the floor wouldn’t go over 55. Told him to drive it until he needed gas again. Couple hours later he stopped at a real gas station, put premium gas in and it was fine after that. Hence the title, Bad Gas. Any assistance would be appreciated in locating the fuel filter ( if there is an external). Thanks

I just checked my Haynes manual and it says that '95 and earlier models have an inline filter on the left side rail by the tank, while '97 and later have only one filter as part of the pump assembly. In that case you would drop the tank and remove the assembly to get to the filter. I don't know what to recommend for parts though, I haven't done my Jeep, just a suburban.

Sorry the easy to do filters are going away and the 'sock' on fuel pump is the only filter all to often.
Reading your post - my crystal ball tells me that the CEL is likely on -
Suggest we have a free scan done at one of the auto part stores.... did I say FREE - yes a good idea even if the CEL is off.
This engine should NOT reqquire high test or high dollar gas - but for a 'test' ok.
You want to be proactive - SO I recommend while getting the FREE EASY FAST scan taken care of lets add 1 can of SEAFOAM a fuel 'detergent' - have the codes checked post ALL codes - I will look for reply.

Having trouble starting right after fill is key to me, the newly added fuel would NOT be in the system (injectors, lines) yet and the start was utilizing the older fuel - again my technician mind want a scanner on the system.

I just checked my Haynes manual and it says that '95 and earlier models have an inline filter on the left side rail by the tank, while '97 and later have only one filter as part of the pump assembly. In that case you would drop the tank and remove the assembly to get to the filter. I don't know what to recommend for parts though, I haven't done my Jeep, just a suburban.

Sorry the easy to do filters are going away and the 'sock' on fuel pump is the only filter all to often.
Reading your post - my crystal ball tells me that the CEL is likely on -
Suggest we have a free scan done at one of the auto part stores.... did I say FREE - yes a good idea even if the CEL is off.
This engine should NOT reqquire high test or high dollar gas - but for a 'test' ok.
You want to be proactive - SO I recommend while getting the FREE EASY FAST scan taken care of lets add 1 can of SEAFOAM a fuel 'detergent' - have the codes checked post ALL codes - I will look for reply.

Having trouble starting right after fill is key to me, the newly added fuel would NOT be in the system (injectors, lines) yet and the start was utilizing the older fuel - again my technician mind want a scanner on the system.

Click to expand...

So, if I'm going to replace a cracked, leaky tank and rotten skid... I can yank the sock off the in-tank pump and install an inline filter that's easier to access?